Can we give an analogy for nucleus to sun and electrons to planets

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of giving an analogy for the relationship between the nucleus and electrons in an atom to the sun and planets in a galaxy. However, the idea is dismissed due to the fundamental differences between the two phenomena and the potential for misleading analogies. The conversation also mentions the danger of pseudo-scientific theories and the limitations of analogies in explaining complex concepts.
  • #1
dexterdev
194
1
Can we give an analogy for nucleus to sun and electrons to planets......

Hi all,
Can we give an analogy for nucleus to sun and electrons to planets......
like this in several galaxies... and galaxies together form some other material in larger scale.

Also can we say wave nature of particle as movement of electron or planets which are revolving around the sun or nucleus ie along with another motion in some direction.

-Devanand T
 
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  • #2


No, the phenomena are completely different from each other.
 
  • #3


In my experience trying to make analogies for phenomenon one is not an expert in is extremely misleading because the whole point of analogies is to explain something not understood by comparing it to something that is.

Unfortunately there are a lot of crackpots out there who think they've discovered/understood something epic about the universe because they've made an analogy to something as simple as water draining down a sink...
 
  • #4


Googling for "planetary model of hydrogen atom" you will find this idea (although taken in the reverse direction) will be 100 years old next year.

Age doesn't make it correct though.
 
  • #5


Don't go there: The analogy had some credence while planets' orbits were thought to fall on Titius-Bode intervals. The outer planets quashed that, and the dwarf planets' orbits are a zoo.

Beware a pseudo-scientific but superficially plausible 'Theory of Everything' doing the rounds which is, IIRC, based on nested vortices...

It conveniently overlooks stuff like elliptical galaxies...
 
  • #6


There is also the electron ionization process which makes comparison impossible.
 

Related to Can we give an analogy for nucleus to sun and electrons to planets

1. What is the analogy for the nucleus in the solar system?

The analogy for the nucleus in the solar system is the sun. Just like how the nucleus is the central and most massive part of an atom, the sun is the central and most massive body in our solar system.

2. What is the analogy for electrons in the solar system?

The analogy for electrons in the solar system is planets. Similar to how electrons orbit the nucleus in an atom, planets orbit the sun in our solar system.

3. How does the analogy of nucleus to sun and electrons to planets help us understand atoms?

The analogy helps us understand atoms by visualizing the relationship between the nucleus and electrons in a familiar context. Just like how the sun's gravity holds the planets in orbit, the nucleus's strong force holds the electrons in orbit around it.

4. Is the analogy of nucleus to sun and electrons to planets scientifically accurate?

Yes, the analogy is scientifically accurate in terms of describing the relationship between the nucleus and electrons in an atom. However, it is important to note that this analogy is not a perfect representation and there are many other factors at play in an atom that are not present in the solar system.

5. Can we apply this analogy to other atomic structures?

Yes, this analogy can be applied to other atomic structures such as ions or molecules. Just like how the sun can have multiple planets orbiting it, an ion can have multiple electrons orbiting it in different energy levels.

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